Robert Bruce Banner, a brilliant but humble scientist is searching for a way to tap in to the hidden strengths all human beings possess. Working for the military, Dr. Banner develops an experimental machine designed to bombard living tissue with high doses of gamma radiation, the result of which leaves organic test material with remarkable abilities, including enhanced strength and incredible regenerative healing powers.

Banner's overly cautious and sometime lackadaisical approach to his work has been met with disapproval from the military higher-ups, led by General Ross, and the good doctor is under intense pressure to start showing results, and fast. Faced with the fear of seeing his life's work taken away, Dr. Banner hastily tests the gamma machine on himself, awakening something hidden deep inside...


Behind-the-Scenes:

In designing Banner, I wanted to incorporate little bits of the Banners that I grew up with. Namely, the 1980's cartoon Banner, Bill Bixby's "David" Banner from the live-action TV show, and of course, Jack Kirby's original comic book design. There's also a little bit of David Duchovny (my pic for Banner if they ever decide to make a new live-action TV series).

There are two basic designs that will be used for Banner during the course of MKA; the first being "Banner the scientist". This design will only appear in the origin sequence and in various flashbacks throughout the first story arc. His outfit matches Kirby's design almost to the letter, albeit I included the purple pants, which are a few shades darker than the classic color. I just had to include the purple pants for nostalgia's sake, even if it's only for the origin.

I wanted to give him a slightly more youthful look too; he's not a kid, but he's not the middle-aged "Doc" Banner either. I picture him in his early-mid 30's, still very young and naive about the world around him. A resourceful man with a genius-level intellect, yes, but his book-smarts clearly outweigh his street-smarts. This aspect, along with the "Bixby" influence is much more evident once you read the stories. It's not really a visual thing.

The second design for Banner I call "Banner the fugitive", and this is will be his primary garb; a shoulder-slung knapsack, blue/black jeans and a heavy coat to keep him warm during his adventures around the East Coast.

The knapsack and "lonely-man" imagery will be the main visual Bill Bixby reference, other than Banner's personality. It's difficult to create an "everyman" that happens to be a genius. Banner is capable of things that ordinary folks couldn't possibly comprehend. How are we supposed to relate to this guy? His affliction is the key. While none of us have to live with Banner's nightmare, (the Hulk is only fantasy after-all), it's Banner's struggle that connects us to him. We share in his hope for a cure and for a better life.

It seems that diehard Hulk fans are split as to how important The Incredible Hulk TV show from the late 70s was (and is) to Hulk lore. For me growing up, the show was a huge influence and there's a lot of Bixby in this character and this story I'm doing. I've written almost all of Banner's dialogue (and narration) with Bixby's voice in my mind. I'm not sure if that's what you "hear" when you read it, but it's what works for me.


Designs: